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Bobcat produces limited-edition ‘Millionth Unit’ loaders

Bobcat has released a special-edition loader to celebrate the production of its millionth unit after nearly 60 years of production which started with a three-wheeler designed to shift turkey manure.

Based on the S650 skid-steer loader or T650 tracked loader, the ‘Millionth Unit’ edition features:

  • Two-tone interior (black composite trim pieces, with orange pin-stripe accents)
  • Two-tone special edition air-ride seat
  • Chrome painted wheel with orange trim ring (skid-steer loader only)
  • Chrome exhaust vents
  • Deluxe instrument panel, with 1M logo in start-up screen
  • ‘Millionth Unit’ decals and serial number

The units are available with Selectable Joystick Control (SJC) pattern, with High flow, two speed and Power Bob-Tach standard.

The Bobcat as we know it today traces its heritage back to a then-revolutionary three-wheeled loader engineered by brothers Cyril and Louis Keller of Rothsay, in the US state of Minnesota, designed to clean turkey manure out of barns.

In 1958, the Gwinner-based Melroe Manufacturing Company bought the rights to the loader and employed the Keller brothers to put it into production. The Keller Loader, as the original machine was called, was improved with a larger 9-horsepower (6.7kW) engine and released as the M-60, a three-wheeled Melroe Self-Propelled Loader.

Then, in 1960, the company built the first true skid-steer loader with four-wheel drive. In 1962, the loaders were branded ‘Bobcat’ after the “tough, quick and agile” prairie animal.

The company celebrated the production of 500,000 loaders in 2001 and 750,000 units in conjunction with its 50th anniversary in 2008. Bobcat Company is now North Dakota’s largest manufacturer with more than 2,000 employees in the state. Bobcat products have representation through more than 900 dealers in more than 100 countries with production facilities in North Dakota, Minnesota, France and the Czech Republic.

Distributor Clark Equipment says there are limited quantities of the ‘Millionth Unit’ loaders available to buy in Australia.

 

Click here to find Bobcat loaders for sale.

 

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